The Chicago Bears are hitting the road for the second straight week. On Sunday, they will face the Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons have unlocked their offense with the return of quarterback Michael Penix. He has the offense humming with the help of playmakers Bijan Robinson and Drake London.
It will be a game of draftmates. Penix was selected seven spots after Caleb Williams. But unlike when the Bears play the Patriots next week or if they were to face Washington again, this matchup seems to be flying
under the radar a bit.
What is it going to take for the Bears to bounce back from their bad loss and get the win on the road? Points…
Our crew weighs in.
Sam: The home/road splits from the defense are obvious going back to last year. Containing Bijan Robinson and Drake London is paramount to the Bears staying in this game. Having Caleb back would be great, but don’t forget there’s a Thursday night short week looming. Hopefully, getting Monangai and Swift healthy enough to keep the TOP on Chicago’s side will keep Atlanta’s weapons sidelined and the defense fresh.
ECD: Offense – Let Caleb cook (if cleared) and balance out his return with a good effort on the ground. If Caleb is not cleared… put Case Keenum in. We don’t need to see Tyson Bagent again unless it’s for a ceremonial kneel-down.
Defense – Do… something. Anything positive on the road would be a win. And make a trade for a difference maker while you’re at it.
Special Teams – Let’s see what we have in Zavion Thomas as both a punt and kick returner. He’s been gradually improving his average and had a big one against the Packers.
Josh: The basic key to the game is Chicago needs to stop trying to make fetch happen. Tyson Bagent is not a starter, and the defense is not a unit that can stop the run and defend the pass at the same time. If Caleb Williams can start, then Ben just needs to let 18 do his thing while DA stacks the box to limit Robinson. Iceman can win a passing duel for Chicago so long as Roush and Thomas aren’t forced into the rotation instead of actual good players. If it’s Keenum, then Ben will need to lean on Kmet, Raymond, and Burden more.
DGooch – Keys to the Game – defend the back third of the field. Don’t turn the ball over. Limit, to the extent possible, Bijan’s impact (yes, stack the box). But truly, the key to the game is to get Caleb back, healthy, and playing up to his potential. Do that, and find someone other than Roschon Johnson to run the ball, and the Bears have a good chance to get the taste of that last game out of our collective mouths.
Jeff Berckes: Manufacture pressure on Michael Penix if he starts. He’ll be carrying a rib injury from last Sunday and he’s already uncomfortable when heated up. If it’s Tua, well, same story and watch the turnovers roll in. Don’t give either time to pick you apart. On offense, can we get a wellness check on Colston Loveland? This might be the time for Caleb to show off that arm talent early and often.
What do you think it will take to beat the Falcons? Let us know in the comments.
